Robert McKinley, Senior Analyst/Editor
Robert McKinley is an analyst of the payments industry on a daily basis for 32 years covering payment cards and payment systems from both the business side and the consumer side. McKinley is the retired founder and chief executive of RAM Research, CardWeb and CardTrak. In his prior position, McKinley has participated in more than 10,000 documented news media interviews, testified as an expert witness in two separate $billion+ U.S. anti-trust trials, testified before the U.S. Congress, assisted the GAO with paymentsIMG_2006 (1).jpeg reports, chaired numerous business conferences and provided C-Suite opinion to a multitude of Fortune 500 companies. In retirement, he has continued developing and funding digital media assets as well as contributing payments related analysis/content to a broad list of online publishers, including CardFlash, CardTrak and CardData. McKinley is also a national certified mentor with the non-profit SCORE organization with a focus on assisting Fintech startups. www.robert-mckinley.com

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] Wirecard Card Solutions is now the card issuer of the new ‘FromMe2You’ Gift Card, offered by the Irish Program Manager The Gift Card Company. This multi-store gift card can be purchased online at www.me2you.ie or in store at participating Topaz stations nationwide and has the backing of over 3,000 of Ireland’s…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] WorldRemit customers can now send money instantly to MTN Mobile Money wallets in Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. The launch follows the signing of a global partnership agreement earlier this year, to enable WorldRemit customers all over the world to send international remittances to MTN’s Mobile Money customers. People in more than…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] Levvel has ankled Jim Van Fleet to be the role of Principal Consultant. Levvel is an IT consulting firm that combines the innovative DNA of a start up with the wisdom, scalability, and process rigor of a Fortune 100 company. Jim Van Fleet, an IT veteran and well-known member of the…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] Credit Karma announced has signed up its 50 millionth member, a major milestone that gives the online personal finance platform insight into more than one-fifth of America’s total household debt. Credit Karma’s 50 million-strong member base accounts for 22% of all Americans with a credit profile in the United States, who…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] The burgeoning service economy is significantly outpacing more traditional industry sectors in its rate of business growth among middle market companies, according to the Middle Market Power Index: Exploring Generational Changes in Middle Market Industries from American Express and Dun & Bradstreet. While manufacturing and wholesale trade continue to remain key…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] The ubiquity of Internet-connected mobile devices is reshaping the preferences and expectations of consumers when it comes to acquiring products and services—in every industry. The financial services industry is no exception. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions (FIs) are already starting to see decreases in account opening through traditional channels…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] JCB has inked China CITIC Bank to issue the first JCB virtual cards for online shopping users. CITIC is part of the major state-owned conglomerate CITIC Group. The bank has a nationwide branch network and solid customer base, including the wealthy segment, and is actively expanding its card issuing business. China…

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”0″ ihc_mb_template=”1″] UnionPay and ANZ Bank will jointly announced in Auckland all ANZ ATMs and merchants in New Zealand would be able to accept UnionPay cards. These ATMs and merchants would not only accept UnionPay chip cards, but would also initiate the acceptance of UnionPay QuickPass in New Zealand. ANZ is the largest…